Anti-terrorism

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Hon. Joan Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Opposition):

I have a question for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. This is a question that comes from Mr. Bradley Johnston of Toronto, who asks:

Why should we let Bill C-51 gut the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?

People argue that Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act to fight terrorism. But, we must remind everyone that this was a temporary remedy. Bill C-51 makes it the law of the land forever.

Are we really ready to permanently give up our rights and freedoms? The death of our soldiers in Ottawa —

And in St. Jean —

— were heinous acts of violence and murder and a national tragedy.

But how many more of our grandfathers died in World War Two to ensure that Canada remained free? Will we throw those sacrifices away so easily?